One space that appears to wish strengthening for Newcastle United this summer season is central midfield, with Eddie Howe’s facet at the moment wanting relatively skinny on the pitch in relation to choices in that division.
The choice to permit Jonjo Shelvey to hitch relegation strugglers Nottingham Forest has solely exacerbated the shortage of depth in midfield, therefore the necessity for the Magpies to adequately strengthen their ranks if they’re to proceed subsequent season.
It appears to be like just like the Tynesiders have already recognized a doable resolution to this drawback within the type of Celta Vigo starlet Gabriel ‘Gabri’ Veiga, with experiences on the Continent having spoken of the Premier League facet’s curiosity.
As a Spanish outlet claimed earlier within the week, the St James’ Park facet – together with Manchester United and Actual Madrid – seem like protecting tabs on the promising Spaniard, after what has been a outstanding and revolutionary marketing campaign for 20 years. -old in La Liga.
One other outlet – AS (through Sports activities Witness) – beforehand revealed Newcastle had despatched scouts to observe the teenager in motion, with the 4 high prospects ‘one of the crucial ‘ in buying the playmaker’s companies of recreation.
The Spain Below-21 worldwide is unlikely to return low-cost to any suitor as he reportedly has a €40m (£35m) launch clause in his present deal.
What’s Gabri Veiga’s type of play?
The 6ft sensation – who got here via the Celta youth ranks – has the flexibility to characteristic on the flanks, however has usually lined up in an attacking midfield function in his embryonic profession so far, notably sharing a variety of stylistic and statistical similarities. with present Magpies star Joe Willock, in keeping with FBref.
This resemblance is indicated by the truth that each males supply a real forward-thinking and dynamic method to midfield, with Willock having racked up 73 progressive passes and 57 progressive carries thus far this season, whereas Veiga is barely that proper behind as he recorded it. 41 and 66 for a similar two metrics, respectively.
This can to maneuver ahead had additionally been evidenced by the truth that the latter man ranks within the high 5% in Europe amongst these in his place for touches within the attacking penalty space, whereas the he former Arsenal man – who arrived within the North East on an preliminary mortgage deal in February 2021 – ranks within the high 1% on this regard.
Such a comparability appears to bode effectively for the influence the Spaniard can have on Tyneside, with Willock at the moment thriving after beginning 20 Premier League video games this season, having been praised for his type by supervisor Howe, who stated in January:
“He’s very athletic, has a watch for purpose, technically excellent and tactically he’s bettering.”
With the ability to recruit an analogous determine within the type of Veiga will surely enhance the extent of competitors in Howe’s facet, with the rising gem having shone this season with eight targets and three assists in 23 appearances within the Spanish high flight.
A “attention-grabbing box-to-box midfielder– as described by expertise scout Jacek Kulig – the coveted ace has undoubtedly warranted such curiosity, such has been his stellar streak thus far this season, having notably produced a “unimaginable efficiency“, in keeping with Kulig, towards Actual Valladolid final month.
Whereas Newcastle will clearly have a struggle to land the Willock-esque starlet, a summer season swoop might show to be an actual masterstroke.
